33 Pictures of London Pride and Queer Joy

This summer London celebrated the 50 year anniversary of  the city's first Pride. On July 1st, 1972, the LGBTQ+ community first took the famous city’s streets enmass. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to the city each summer to embrace identity, diversity, freedom and love. The 50th  celebration drew 1.5 million people, making it the largest Pride in British history. With a parade of over 30,000 people, five stages of over-the-top performances and a city full of events highlighting the achievements, talents and resilience of the queer community.

Haven Thorn, spokesperson for Pride in London said, “The LGBT+ community in the UK has come so far in the past 50 years, and this line up was a great way to collectively celebrate our journey and where we are today. We are so grateful to all of these artists, LGBT+ icons and allies who helped make July 2nd a momentous Pride to remember.”

Below we share some of our favorite memories. 

Nonprofit organization Youth Stop AIDS was represented.

Queer elders who marched in 1972 for London's first Pride return to celebrate (and be honored) at the 50th anniversary — and to remind us that the fight isn't over.

Members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club ride in London's 50th Pride parade.

Teraj (center) performs at London Pride (see more of his creative journey on Making It With Pride, Out Traveler's new video series.)